Daniel said, “I was looking in my vision by night, and beheld, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. (Daniel 7:2)

In this portion of the prophecy the first picture is that of the sea. Because it is called the great sea, some have interpreted it to mean that it refers literally to the Mediterranean Sea.. If this interpretation is correct, it means that all of the events mentioned in this chapter would be located in that area of the world.

Another way to view the sea is symbolically. Since the sea is seen to be turbulent, it could mean a time when this will occur. The turbulent sea could represent a troubled and confused society looking for some kind of savior to help them out of their present difficulty.

God has not given us any key as to which view is correct. Both of them could be, so we must be alert to the signs of the times as they appear and know how to discern them. I prefer to view the sea as symbolic for the following reasons. First, it allows us to be more flexible as to the time and place. Second, It makes better sense to see the sea as a period of time when the world has become so degraded, that it will allow cruel rulers to take control. This does not rule out the possibility that it could take place in the Mediterranean area.
Here is one way of viewing the troubled sea.

. “When society desires to rid itself of all vestiges of the knowledge of God, the social needs of men seek for one who can become their hero. Enter, the beastly representative from the sea. The time is right .The troubled society has found their man.” May we be wise and discerning as we see the signs pointing to Christ’s Return.